I developed grade II CC in my right breast after a pregnancy and having implants for 7 years. Over the past week my right breast was less hard and eventually shrank down. So I'm positive there is a leak. It feels like the implant is almost completely flat. I moved me up about one cup size after BA, but right side was always bigger. I would rather explant than replace. Im under warranty, is it possible the warranty would help me with explant costs? I have the Naturelle brand. Thanks!!

Doctor Answers 6

Warranty coverage following deflation

November 9th, 2015

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

The first step is filing a warranty claim. You will need some personal information and the info on the warranty card that you were hopefully given at the time of surgery. You can do this on your own, but ultimately your surgeon will need to return the ruptured implants to the manufacturer for inspection prior to them making good on the warranty. I have seen this process take months, not weeks, to receive reimbursement, but you are still within the ten year window. While this is not an urgent matter, don't delay three more years. Good luck!

Warranty coverage of Explantation of Implants

November 9th, 2015

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Great question. Your warranty covers explanation and re-implantation of Implants. You will need to contact the customer service number provided on your implant specific card given to you post operatively that list your Implant type, style, and serial numbers. They will be able to assist you with more specific protocols along with the assistance of your plastic surgeon's office as it relates to your OR and anesthesia fees being covered as well. Good luck to you!

Explantation

November 9th, 2015

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Warranty will usually cover some of the cost of the OR and anesthesia as well as the replacement of the new implants. You do not usually need to have the implants replaced but you should have total capsulectomies done. Your health insurance will often cover explantation if complications of cosmetic surgery are not excluded.

Breast Implant Removal Pictures

Removal of implants after a deflation

November 9th, 2015

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Thank you for you question. Typically the implant warranty will cover removal of the implants and placement of new ones. It does not typically just cover removal of implants. That would be something I would definitely call the implant company about in regards to your case.

Explantation

November 10th, 2015

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Contact the implant company to see if you are covered under the warranty. You mentioned you had the implants for 7 years. Request a copy of your operative report from the operating surgeon for all the implant information, such as serial number and lot number. Best wishes!

Saline implant deflation

November 9th, 2015

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Sorry to hear about your troubles. This is a very common problem I see. The two implant manufacturers have varying redemption processes that you should look into. They will almost always cover new devices and will have differing protocols depending on your specific warranty for operative cost. The implant pockets are usually well preserved and can be used again with nice results. All the best and hoping this gets resolved for you.

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.